Warren Wilke

Warren E. Wilke, age 83, died peacefully July 27, 2011, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Memorial service will be 11:00 am Monday, August 1, 2011, at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church: 1240 66th St., with burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be 4 to 6 pm Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Hamilton’s, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

Warren was born March 5, 1928, in St. Olaf, IA, the son of Elmer Fredrick and Lenora (Embretson) Wilke. He graduated from Monona High School in 1946, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving until 1948. He then attended Iowa State Teachers College. He was married to Janet Elaine Wirkler from 1951 until her death in 1990.

Warren spent most of his adult years as partner in Wilke’s Supermarkets in Monona, later expanding to Elkader, and Farmersburg, IA. Wilke Supermarkets is the longest family owned supermarket chain in the state of Iowa, spanning five generations. He retired from the grocery business, moving to Windom, MN where he served as a full time Lutheran Lay Associate, overseeing the religious education program, teaching Bethel Bible series, and the Parent Effective Training Program. He was a strong advocate and participant in Lutheran Lay Academy of Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque for many years. In 1983, he and Janet moved to Ankeny where he worked for AGI as the wholesale meat buyer and manager until his retirement in 1991. At that time he married Mary McBride and they have resided in the Des Moines area.

Warren enjoyed carpentry, building cabinets and furniture pieces. He was a life long avid golfer and made golf clubs for many family members and friends.

He is survived by his wife Mary; his daughter, Ann of Houston, TX; His brother Tom (Mary Jo) of Monona, IA; step children: Dave McBride of Altoona; Tom (Cheryl) McBride of Mitchellville; and Patti (Bruce) Scott of Peoria, IL; six step grandchildren; niece, Susan; and nephews: Dave, Steve, and Dan. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Janet.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Windsor Heights Lutheran Church or Mercy Hospice Johnston in loving memory of Warren.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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